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| UW-La Crosse athletics photo |
UW-La Crosse has named Matt Janus head football coach. A native of Lake Zurich, Illinois, Janus has served as the Eagles' interim head coach since Dec. 12. He replaces Mike Schmidt, who was announced as head football coach at Northern State on Dec. 9.
Janus completed his third year as the Eagles' defensive coordinator in 2019. UWL finished in the top four in eight defensive categories in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this year, including second in turnover margin (plus-8), opponents' third-down conversions (34.0%) and red-zone defense (65.0%).
The team was third in the league in rushing defense (107.7 yards per game) and quarterback sacks (40) this season while also finishing fourth in scoring defense (22.1 points per game), total defense (365.3 yards) and passing defense efficiency (113.9).
"I can't explain how excited I am to get started," said Janus. "To get an opportunity to be a head coach at any level is special, but getting a chance to lead this storied program, at this nationally recognized university, and in this amazing community is truly unbelievable."
A total of 15 All-WIAC honors have been earned in Janus' first three seasons as UWL's defensive coordinator, including five first team choices. Defensive back Peter Kissling and linebacker Rusty Murphy were both named to the 2019 All-WIAC first team.
"Matt has been an integral part of the success of our football program on the field, and has played a vital role with the experience our players have off the field," said UWL athletic director Kim Blum. "I am excited about the leadership Matt brings and where that will take our football program."
The Eagles finished in the top-four in six defensive categories in the WIAC in 2018, including second in sacks (36) and opponents' third-down conversions (36.4%). UWL was also third in scoring defense (23.3) in 2018 while finishing fourth in rushing defense (130.0 yards per game), turnover margin (+plus-3) and red-zone defense (68.6%). The team forced 17 turnovers overall, including eight interceptions and nine fumbles. Linebacker Elijah McGeehan was a 2018 All-WIAC first team choice.
"As I have been handed the reins to this program, I look forward to creating a first-class experience to our student-athletes," said Janus. "I am a true believer that the college years are so special to the lives of young people, and I want to make sure that their time spent in our football program, at our university, and in our city are surrounded with positivity!
"I know myself and my staff will produce and put a product on the field that this university, community, and alumni will be proud of. We will play an aggressive style of football in all three phases of the game, and will play with championship style that reflects our tradition of what La Crosse football should be."
Opponents scored 151 points (15.1 average) in 2017 versus UWL, the fewest points for an opponent since 2000. The Eagles allowed eight passing touchdowns in 2017, the fewest since 2000. UWL also allowed 3,311 yards of offense, the fewest for an opponent since 2007. The team ranked in the top-three in eight defensive categories in the WIAC in 2017, including leading the league in pass defense (164.6 yards per game), pass defense efficiency (99.5), turnover margin (+11) and opponents' fourth-down conversions (17.6%, 3-of-17).
UWL forced 27 turnovers in 2017, including 13 fumbles and 14 interceptions. The Eagles were second in the conference in scoring defense (15.1), quarterback sacks (30) and red-zone defense (60.0%) while finishing third in opponents' third-down conversions (30.4%, 42-of-138). The team was fourth in total defense (333.1). Defensive back Steve Law and linebacker Noah Risch were both named to the 2017 All-WIAC first team.
"Off the field, and having had been a part of this program the last three years, I am extremely proud of the type of student-athletes we have here," added Janus. "I am excited to continue to work with them, as they are not just great football players, but great students and people. I look forward to continuing to share them throughout our community."
Janus worked as an assistant coach at UW-Platteville from 2014-16, serving as co-defensive coordinator for the 2016 season. The Pioneers finished second in the WIAC in total (342.1 yards per game) and rushing (109.5) defense in 2016 while ranking third in scoring defense (18.9 points per game) and turnover margin (+10). UW-Platteville was also fourth in passing defense (232.5 yards per game) as it earned an at-large bid to the Division III playoffs.
He was UW-Platteville's athletics department recruiting coordinator for Iowa from June 2014-March 2016 while also serving as the Pioneers' defensive line coach. Janus coached Andrew Robinson at UW-Platteville, who was named the 2015 WIAC Defensive Player of the Year. Robinson earned 2015 D3football.com All-America third team honors under Janus' tutelage. He was a three-time (2013-15) All-WIAC first team selection. A total of nine defensive players earned all-conference honors under Janus at UW-Platteville.
Prior to arriving at UW-Platteville, Janus was the defensive coordinator at Sheboygan Falls, Wis., High School from June 2011-June 2014. He was a graduate assistant coach at UW-Platteville from May 2010-June 2011, working with the outside linebackers.
Janus earned his bachelor's (2010) degree in social science and master's (2016) in adult education from UW-Platteville. He earned three football letters for the Pioneers, serving as team captain in 2009.